The Student Collective Volume VII Issue I

Equador
Dani Schmaltz
International Studies Major, from Madras, Oregon
During my semester in Quito, I had the opportunity
to intern with a local non-profit called Pan de Vida.
It was such a unique opportunity to work with an
organization focused on community development in
another country. I loved getting to know my supervisor,
who began volunteering at Pan de Vida when he was
thirteen years-old, my co-workers, and the founder.
Working and volunteering alongside these people, I
admired their passion and dedication as well as the deep
connections they formed with the people they served
in the community. My favorite part was being able to
serve during the weekly micro-business classes where
local business leaders helped guide participants in their
business ventures. It was incredible to see development
happening on such a relational level and to play a
small part in the work that this organization does in
the community among Ecuadorians and Venezuelan
refugees.
How did your time abroad contrast with your other semesters at Fox?
This semester was conflicting for me as the first semester of my last year at Fox. I loved the thrill of
the adventure exploring Ecuador, meeting new people from all over the country and all over the world,
and learning about the culture of Quito. However, I also deeply missed the people that I’d spent the past
three years developing relationships with. What I loved about this semester was that my classes connected
directly with what I would experience in my day-to-day life outside of class. My Ecuadorian professors
would continually give me new insights into the culture through practices, sayings, history, and Quichua
words. In the past few months I have grown immensely in my Spanish speaking, seen countless awe
inspiring places, formed friendships, and grown to love Ecuador and its people.
The Student Collective 11